The Keele Family History

What Does the Keele Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Keele is of English origin, tracing its roots to the Lincolnshire area, particularly near the villages of Keal. In Middle English, the word ‘kele’ was associated with boat building. Variants of the surname Keele include Keel, Keeler, Kehl, Keal, and Keale, while the Irish form is noted as McKeel. Historically, early Keele families established themselves in the regions of Staffordshire and Lincolnshire. Over time, their primary residences expanded throughout southern England, encompassing the counties of Somerset, Wiltshire, Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey, Kent, and the city of London. In Scotland, the predominant concentration of Keele families can be found in Perthshire. Between the years 1635 and 1685, a significant number of individuals bearing the Keele surname migrated to America. By the 1800s, the Keele lineage had become established in various states, including North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, Tennessee, and Alabama. As the 20th century progressed, members of the Keele family were predominantly located in Georgia, Oklahoma, Texas, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Alabama, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Noteworthy individuals associated with this surname include Cyril A. Keele, a distinguished pharmacologist known for his expertise in physiology.